Aitana Bonmatí has cemented her status as one of the world's top female footballers by becoming the first player to claim a spot in The Guardian's top 100 history for three consecutive years.
The midfielder, who plays for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has set a new standard with her impressive performances on the pitch, earning her 43% of the top spot votes from The Guardian's panel of judges. Her compatriot Mariona Caldentey finished second with 21% of the first-place votes.
Bonmatí's dominance in the women's game is not surprising given her exceptional skills and ability to step up when it matters most. She has become synonymous with Barcelona, playing over 300 appearances for the club since her youth days.
While several other talented players made significant gains this year, including Klara Bühl, Esther González, and Ghizlane Chebbak, Bonmatí remains the standard-bearer in women's football.
However, her progress has been slightly tempered by injury concerns. Breaking a leg in training before the Nations League final means she will miss more than four months of action next year.
The Guardian's list also highlights the rapid growth and development of women's football globally. Almost a quarter of this year's 100 were new faces, reflecting the increasing level of competition in the sport.
As for national teams, England has emerged as the nation with the most players on The Guardian's top 100 list, ahead of Spain and the USA.
The midfielder, who plays for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has set a new standard with her impressive performances on the pitch, earning her 43% of the top spot votes from The Guardian's panel of judges. Her compatriot Mariona Caldentey finished second with 21% of the first-place votes.
Bonmatí's dominance in the women's game is not surprising given her exceptional skills and ability to step up when it matters most. She has become synonymous with Barcelona, playing over 300 appearances for the club since her youth days.
While several other talented players made significant gains this year, including Klara Bühl, Esther González, and Ghizlane Chebbak, Bonmatí remains the standard-bearer in women's football.
However, her progress has been slightly tempered by injury concerns. Breaking a leg in training before the Nations League final means she will miss more than four months of action next year.
The Guardian's list also highlights the rapid growth and development of women's football globally. Almost a quarter of this year's 100 were new faces, reflecting the increasing level of competition in the sport.
As for national teams, England has emerged as the nation with the most players on The Guardian's top 100 list, ahead of Spain and the USA.
! Aitana Bonmatí is killing it on the pitch and it's no surprise she's made the top 100 three years in a row. I mean, have you seen her play? She's got skills for days 
. It's awesome to see more women's football making waves globally - the numbers are crazy! Almost a quarter of the players are new faces... that's progress right there 
. And it's interesting to see England leading the pack in national teams, but Spain and the USA still giving them a run for their money 
. One thing I do hope she can stay injury-free next year - those leg breaks can be super frustrating 
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OMG, can you even believe it?! Aitana Bonmatí just cemented her spot as one of the world's top female footballers for THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS!!! 
I mean, she's already an incredible player, but to see her dominate the game like that is truly inspiring. And 43% of those votes is insane! 
Also love how The Guardian is highlighting the growth and development of women's football globally - it's so exciting to see more talented players emerging from around the world. 
Three years in a row, how surprising is it that Aitana Bonmatí is still rocking this? Like, she's basically the Messi of women's football or something 
. Anyway, gotta give her props for being consistent. But seriously, 43% of the top spot votes? That's some serious momentum 
. And yeah, injuries are always a bummer, hope she comes back stronger next year 
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You know what I think is really cool? Seeing people like Aitana Bonmatí break barriers and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Three years in a row? That's just crazy! 
. And England taking the lead in terms of national teams? That's no surprise given their squad's depth and talent 
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! I'm so glad to see more women's footballers getting recognized for their amazing skills. But can someone tell me what the Nations League final is? 
. Three years in a row? That's cute. I mean, impressive, but come on, the competition is just that good now 
. Can't blame her for stepping up when it matters, though... she does seem to have a knack for breaking bones, that's not fun 
. Barcelona is lucky to have her, by the way 
another elite female footballer sets a new bar, what about the rest? 
also love how they're growing the game globally, but at what cost? 
sounds like Spain's national team is looking a bit weak tho 
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! And England taking the top spot for national teams? That's a big deal, too. We're in for an exciting year of football, and I'm so down 
300+ appearances for barca is insane 
hope she makes a speedy recovery and gets back out there ASAP 
It's a great time to be a female football fan, for sure.
. And that's so cool about England making it onto the list too! 
The growth of women's football is insane, can't wait to see what the future holds 
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. Where are the sources on how they came up with that number?